Work is underway to restore St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria. The $2.3 million project will repair extensive water damage, strip white paint off the stone altar and restore stained glass windows.
The ceiling in the cathedral's entryway will be a highlight. It will be painted to look like the night sky on Feb. 11, 1875. That's the date the Catholic Diocese of Peoria was dedicated.
Church officials say the project is the first big renovation of the church's interior in nearly three decades. Chicago-based church renovator DapratoRigali Studios is handling the work on a schedule that allows regular services to continue.
Work began last month and is scheduled to wrap up in the summer of 2016.
